Fact Check: "Comer claims Bernal is 'running scared' from the subpoena."
What We Know
On June 26, 2025, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) issued a statement regarding Anthony Bernal, a former Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the First Lady. Following the White House's waiver of executive privilege, Bernal's legal team informed the Committee that he would no longer appear for a scheduled transcribed interview. In his statement, Comer asserted that Bernal was "running scared" and "desperate to bury the truth" regarding President Biden's cognitive decline and other executive actions (source, source).
Comer emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency, stating that the Oversight Committee would not tolerate Bernal's refusal to testify and would issue a subpoena to compel his appearance (source, source). The context of this claim revolves around an ongoing investigation into the Biden administration's handling of executive actions and alleged cover-ups related to the President's mental fitness (source, source).
Analysis
The claim that "Comer claims Bernal is 'running scared'" is directly supported by Comer's own statements. He explicitly used the phrase "running scared" in his public remarks, which were reported by multiple news outlets (source, source). The context of these statements is critical; they come after Bernal's decision to withdraw from a previously agreed-upon testimony following the waiver of executive privilege by the White House.
The reliability of the sources reporting this claim is generally high. The statement from Chairman Comer was published on the official website of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which lends credibility to the information (source). Additionally, reputable news organizations like Axios and CBS News reported on the incident, providing further confirmation of the events and the language used by Comer (source, source).
However, it is important to note that the characterization of Bernal as "running scared" reflects Comer's perspective and may be viewed as politically charged language. This could introduce a level of bias, as it is common for political figures to frame narratives in ways that support their positions. Nonetheless, the factual basis of the claim—that Comer made this statement—is well-supported by the evidence.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
Chairman James Comer did indeed claim that Anthony Bernal is "running scared" from the subpoena. This statement was made in the context of Bernal's refusal to testify after the White House waived executive privilege, and it is substantiated by multiple credible sources. While the language used may carry political implications, the assertion itself is factually accurate.
Sources
- Chairman Comer Statement on Anthony Bernal's Refusal to Testify
- Jill Biden's top aide bails on House investigation in Biden fitness - Axios
- Jill Biden's 'work husband' is 'running scared,' subpoena issued after refusal to testify - BizPac Review
- House Republicans subpoena top aide to Jill Biden - The Hill
- Former top aide to Jill Biden subpoenaed in House GOP's investigation - CBS News
